US citizens will ideally require a visa issued by a Mozambican embassy to enter the country, although single-entry visas can be obtained at all border points including airports for a cost of US $82. Passports must be valid for at least six months, and should have three blank pages. Visitors from other countries should check online or at their nearest embassy for requirements and costs.

Health and Safety

Routine vaccinations should be kept up to date, and hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies shots are recommended for travel to Mozambique. Malaria is a serious problem here, with chloroquinine not an effective anti-malarial drug in the region. Outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and if you are taking regular medications, a large enough supply should be brought as prescriptions in drugstores and hospitals are few and far between. Medical facilities in the capital are rudimentary, with English rarely spoken and treatments often unavailable.

All private and public hospitals require immediate payment, often in cash. Outside the capital, healthcare ranges from poor to unavailable, with full medical coverage and a Medivac add-on essential. Tap water is unsafe to drink, and travelers’ diarrhea is a risk.

Overland travel at night is considered dangerous due to vehicle hijacking, assault and robbery, especially on the main highway linking Maputo with the South African border. Off-road travel is discouraged due to the presence of residual landmines from the civil war period. Street crimes are common in the cities, with visitor advised not to display cell phones, jewelry or any items of value. Isolated areas should be avoided even during daylight, and walking at night, even in tourist areas, is also discouraged. Visitors should note there is no equivalent of a 911 emergency number in Mozambique.